Some 2013-2016 Super Duty vehicles equipped with a 6.7L diesel engine and 2015-2019 Transit vehicles equipped with a 3.2L diesel engine may not pass a state smog test due to the exhaust gas system (EGS) monitor that will not run after completing the Exhaust Gas Sensor drive cycle located within Section 2 of the Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnostics (PC/ED) Manual > Drive Cycles. This may be due to the vehicles diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) age counter being under the 120-minute requirement. Engineering is investigating this issue and working on a solution.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2015 Ford Transit engine problems
moderate 26 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
26
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
1fire
When does it fail?
Of the 26 engine complaints filed for the 2015 Ford Transit, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 150,000+ mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Of the 4 model years of Ford Transit we track for engine problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 26.
Owners have filed 26 engine complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
For 2015-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with turbocharged engines and customer concern of an engine oil leak, refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 303-00 for oil leak inspection and testing methods. Ford has evaluated turbochargers replaced for oil leak symptoms and although oil may collect on the external surface of a turbocharger, it is extremely rare for a turbocharger assembly to be the root cause of the oil leak. Careful inspection of the turbocharger oil feed and drain tubes should be performed along with the recommended WSM procedures as needed. Warranty claims for turbocharger replacement going forward will be assessed.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Certain 2015-2019 Model Year Transit Vehicles Equipped With 3.2L Diesel Engine - Exhaust Gas Temperature (EGT) Sensor Replacement
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Certain 2015-2019 Model Year Transit Vehicles with 3.2L Diesel Engine - Crankcase Ventilation Hose Assembly Replacement and Powertrain Control Module Software Update
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2015 Transit vehicles equipped with a 3.2L Duratorq-TDCi engine built on or after 06-Mar-2015 may set diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P2539 during a KOEO self-test. This DTC sets when the powertrain control module (PCM) does not detect a change in the fuel delivery pressure switch after engine shutdown. If DTC P2539 is not present after performing a key on engine running (KOER) self-test, there is no illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) while the engine is running, no drivability concerns, and no other DTCs, then P2539 should be ignored. No further service action is required.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2015 Ford Transit shows a pattern of engine compartment water intrusion causing catastrophic failures. Rainwater and snow melt drain from the windshield directly onto and into the air filter housing instead of away from the engine. Owners report their vans stalling without warning during rain or heavy snow—sometimes at low speeds in traffic—and refusing to restart. One van was stranded broadside on a snow-covered road blocking two lanes; another was disabled during a heavy rainstorm on an interstate with a family of nine aboard. Ford addressed this with Technical Service Bulletin 19-2091 (updated water management hardware and air cleaner cover), but dealers charge $500–$750 out of pocket despite a TSB existing, and a recall remains outstanding on the NHTSA website.
Fuel system contamination is also widespread. Metal debris circulates throughout the system, contaminating the fuel rail, pump, injectors, and tank. Owners report fuel pump failures recurring even after replacement, forcing multiple repairs. Some note the exact same symptoms match other recalled 2015 Transit models.
Additional failures include Diesel Particulate Filter overload forcing limp mode, exhaust manifold stud fracture and warping (repair estimates exceed $4,000), high-pressure fuel pump leaks, fuel pump control module failure (causing sudden engine shutdown), water pump failure, and engine seizure. Dealers sometimes blame owners for poor fuel quality while performing extensive fuel system replacements.
Same Ford Transit engine reports on nearby years: 2016
Failure modes owners describe
Water intrusion into air filter box from windshield drainage
Rainwater and melted snow from the windshield drain directly into the air filter housing instead of away from the engine compartment. Water-soaked air filters lead to engine stalling and failure to restart. A design flaw in the windshield gutter-to-firewall water management allows water to run down the firewall onto and into the air filter box.
When: All mileages; occurs during rain or heavy snow; one case at 31,853 miles, another at 13,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls without warning; Vehicle refuses to restart after stalling; Water-soaked air filter; Water running down firewall into air filter box; Rough engine operation after exposure to heavy rain; Check engine light illuminated
Codes mentioned: Check engine warning light (unspecified codes)
Repairs/costs cited: TSB 19-2091 provides updated water management hardware and revised air cleaner cover. Costs reported: $488.45 at dealer, over $750 at another dealer. Owners report dealers charging customer despite TSB availability.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB 19-2091; Recall 19S38 referenced in one complaint as outstanding; Ford acknowledges the issue via TSB but has not issued a full safety recall.
Fuel system contamination and fuel pump failure
Metal debris circulates throughout the fuel system, contaminating the fuel rail, filter, return lines, injectors, and fuel tank. Fuel pump fails prematurely, sometimes with recurring failure even after replacement. Metal bits appear in the fuel system; unclear if due to pump degradation or prior contamination.
When: 56,826 miles on one vehicle; 100,000+ miles on another
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls without warning during driving at low speed (5 MPH); Reduced power warning light illuminated; Check engine light illuminated; Metal debris found inside fuel system
Codes mentioned: Reduced power warning light, Check engine light
Repairs/costs cited: Initial repair: fuel rail assembly, filter, and return lines replaced. Failed after 600 miles. Second repair: fuel pump, fuel pump sensor, and low-pressure fuel sensor replaced. Failed again. Third diagnosis: metal bits in fuel system; fuel injector replacement needed but not completed. One complaint references NHTSA campaign 16V618000 (fuel system, diesel). Owners note metal in fuel system similar to other recalled Transit models with the same engine.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 16V618000 cited for fuel system issues on other 2015 Transit models. Owners allege similar problem affects 2015 Transit 350 but not covered by existing recall.
Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) overload and limp mode
DPF becomes overloaded, triggering 'Exhaust filter overloaded, drive to clean' message and forcing vehicle into limp mode, restricting speed to 30 MPH or less. Failure recurs even after service repair.
When: 109,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: DPF overload warning message displayed; Vehicle enters limp mode; Unable to accelerate above 30 MPH; Check engine warning light illuminated
Codes mentioned: DPF overload diagnostic code (unspecified), Check engine light
Repairs/costs cited: Repaired under Ford Customer Satisfaction Program 23M01. Failure recurred; independent mechanic also diagnosed DPF failure but did not complete repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Customer Satisfaction Program 23M01 provided but did not resolve issue.
Engine misfire and power loss from water intrusion
Water intrusion from insufficient sealing in engine compartment (specifically windshield wiper grommet and other areas) causes engine misfire and loss of power. Check engine light illuminates.
When: 57,435 miles and 13,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine misfires; Check engine indicator illuminated; Loss of power during driving; Vehicle able to return to normal operation after restart in some cases
Codes mentioned: Check engine indicator
Repairs/costs cited: One case: passenger-side windshield wiper grommet leak onto engine identified and repaired. Another case: diagnosed as water intrusion from insufficient sealing; vehicle not repaired; manufacturer confirmed no warranty coverage.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB 19-2091 and Customer Satisfaction Program 15B39 referenced. Manufacturer denied warranty coverage on one complaint.
Exhaust manifold and stud failure
Exhaust manifold studs fracture and manifolds warp, causing exhaust system failure. One case involved studs fractured and stuck in the engine, causing carbon monoxide leaks. Repairs are expensive.
When: Approximately 85,000 miles; another at 188,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormal exhaust odor or carbon monoxide odor from vehicle; Exhaust manifold studs fractured and disconnected; Engine bolts stuck in engine; Carbon monoxide leak
Repairs/costs cited: Repair estimate over $4,000 in one case. Another case: dealer stated new engine needed; vehicle not repaired.
High-pressure fuel pump leakage
High-pressure fuel pump develops internal leak, releasing fuel into engine compartment. Failure recurs after replacement.
When: 150,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: High-pressure fuel pump leaks inside engine compartment; No warning lights
Repairs/costs cited: High-pressure fuel pump replaced at Ashe County Ford dealer. Failure recurred; vehicle not taken for further diagnosis.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware of failure.
Engine seizure
Engine seizes without prior warning or diagnostic context provided in complaint.
When: 59,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalls at stop light; Engine seized
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement needed; cause not determined.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified; no assistance offered.
Water pump failure
Water pump fails prematurely and leaks coolant, causing engine overheat.
When: 64,000 miles on a 3-year-old van
Symptoms owners cite: Engine overheating; Water pump leaking badly
Fuel pump control module failure
Fuel pump control module failure causes sudden complete engine shutdown without warning. Owner notes this has triggered recalls on other Ford vehicles but not the 2015 Transit.
When: No specific mileage provided
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stops suddenly without warning; Unable to restart; Sudden loss of power while driving
Repairs/costs cited: Fuel pump control module replacement needed; dealer stated 'this happens a lot'.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Similar failure mode has triggered recalls on other Ford vehicles but not applied to 2015 Transit.
Growling sound and violent vibration after recall repair
After repair under NHTSA Campaign 19V767000 (powertrain), vehicle exhibits growling sound and violent vibration. Dealer repair failed to correct underlying issue and demanded additional diagnostic charge for re-diagnosis.
When: 116,800 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Growling sound from engine; Violent vibration; Vehicle unsafe to drive
Repairs/costs cited: Brought to dealer three times for same repair; all failed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 19V767000 repair performed but failed to resolve issue.
Intermittent engine fault and power loss
Engine fault warning illuminates and vehicle loses power during driving at speeds 10–80 MPH. Power returns after restart but issue recurs.
When: 95,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine fault warning indicator illuminates; Sudden loss of power; Vehicle resumes normal operation after restart
Codes mentioned: Engine fault warning indicator
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer unable to diagnose cause; vehicle not repaired.
Synthesized from 26 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
Engine would stall while driving and doesn't want to start this happened three times once while driving. Third time it had to towed away . Looks like fuel not getting to the engine or problem with fuel system
Tl* the contact owns a 2015 Ford transit. The contact detected an abnormal exhaust or carbon monoxide odor coming from the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to classic Ford (8540 tyler blvd, mentor, oh 44060, (440) 266-3000) where it was diagnosed that the engine bolts were fractured and not connected to the vehicle. The bolts were stuck in the engine and caused a carbon monoxide leak. The…
2015 Ford transit cargo e250 cab filled with exhaust fumes while driving on interstate and became overwhelming. Took van to Ford dealer and they said that the exhaust manifolds were leaking and needed to be changed out. Repair estimate was $2,300.00 dollars and now I am looking at a $9,000.00 dollar repair bill.
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Transit. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to Customer Satisfaction Program: 15B39 CPR and Technical Service Bulletin: 19-2091. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with water intrusion from insufficient sealing in certain…
Dealer is telling me we have metal through the entire fuel system because the pump was failing and that we must have put bad gas in the van..they want to replace the fuel rail and tubes, pump,cooler ,injectors and drop and clean the fuel tank.pretty much word for word what the recall is on some other 2015 transit vans with the same motor
Had engine trouble with your 2015 Ford Transit?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2015 Ford Transit?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 26 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 19 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 56,826 and 116,800 miles, with the median around 75,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 56,826; a quarter make it past 116,800. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2015/Ford/Transit.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.